Gone In The Blink of a Eye

It seems like forever since I've last blogged and well if we're being honest it really has been forever. I feel like we've done so much since the New Year started and I haven't had the chance or taken the time to sit down and document it. I want to keep up with this here blog of mine for my own personal self. Being able to look back years from now and read through our journey's is something I know I'll enjoy. Sometimes I feel like we just get caught up living in the moment and enjoying life that the last thing I want to do is sit down in front of the computer. Even more so now that I'm taking 3 classes, 2 of which are online, so that tends to consume a bit of my time.

Over the last few weeks we've enjoyed a few outings around town and into Kentucky. We went up to BowlingGreen, KY and toured the Lost River Cave which was really neat. We did a little shopping around town and grabbed lunch at Chuy's Mexican Restaurant before heading back home. We really did enjoy ourselves and it was so nice to get away and explore a city we hadn't yet been to.

The hubbs had a week where he was working some late nights for awhile. These guys really missed him and would sit at the entry way just waiting for him to walk through the door. Poor puppies miss their daddy.

Oh the Snow, the first winter I was here it was pretty and I enjoyed it. Now I'm just over it. Although I am not very comfortable driving in it I have managed to get around and make it to work on the day's we where open. I think the pups are still a little unsure of it. Sometimes they seem to not mind it and then other times they seem to hate it and won't even go off the back porch when we let them outside. We took them out for a walk and they just wanted to lick it and try to eat it the whole way. I'm ready for Spring, Warm Weather and FLIP FLOPS please!!!

One snowy afternoon the hubbs decided it would be a great idea to make homemade pizza for dinner. Sounded delicious to me, however we didn't really have anything at home to make pizza with. I told him if he drove we could go to the store and get what we needed, so that we did and this was here was created. Let me tell you it as simply fabulous. I can't believe we don't do homemade (crust included might I add) more often. It's so fun and tasty.

The following morning we had big plans for breakfast, a biscuit, sausage and gravy bake. I came across this recipe on pinterest a while back and had been itching to try it. So of course being snowed in, this seemed like the perfect time. And since I had all the time in the world I figured I'd try my hand at homemade biscuits. There's first for everything right. OMG they came out so so good. I was in heaven. And it was so easy. All this time it seemed so daunting so I never tried making them. I don't know that I'll ever buy store biscuits again or even a mix.

The breakfast casserole turned out simply fabulous and we even had it for left over's the next day.

There was about a two week period just recently where the hubbs was gone for training. Here but gone. I had a much needed girls day with two of my favorite people here. We met up for pedicure, followed by Chinese for dinner. From there we went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a craft to work on while we Skyped and watched a movie with Amy's Mom and Sister that live in Utah. It was so much fun. We had yummy snacks, lots of laughs and all managed to work on our cross stitch that we picked out a bit. I don't know that any of us really paid much attention to the movie although I was totally fine with that. It was just what I needed. I didn't get home that night till almost 1am and yet I was still wide awake the next morning at like 6:30-7:00am. Thankfully with the hubbs being away and needing to work on school work I had a lazy day to myself with the pups.

Taco Monday: sure it would have sounded more catchy being Taco Tuesday but it was a Monday night. I went and had our taxes done and the hubbs cooked up the chicken for me so I could get dinner going quickly when I got home. Another one we haven't had in a good long while. These where Oven Baked Cheesy Tacos and let's just say, they where so good. I could have stuffed my face with one more. But I chose not to and saved it for my lunch the next day and it was just as good then to. Now the rice on the other hand, not really sure what went wrong there but it wasn't all that great. I'm a huge fan of rice to, so I was a bit disappointed. Thankfully the taco's made up for it.

Thursday night we had a Hail and Farewell at The Blackhorse downtown. It's always nice to get out with the hubbs and enjoy a evening together. I still don't know many wives in his company and this was a Battalion level event so there was quite a few people I didn't even recognize. It was only Platoon SGT's and up which made it a small quant gathering.

I had originally made cookies for a few of the girls at work and well long story short my annoying very very bad dogs some home managed to get the entire tray of 4 dozen cookies off the kitchen counter while I work and ate the entire thing. You can bet they got sick and threw up and I didn't feel the least bit sorry for them. I was so mad. So after the Hail and Farewell I decided to make some homemade brownies to take instead. I needed something easy and quick that I could pull out of the oven and cover to let it cool. Of course they couldn't be just any old brownies. I had to fancy them up a bit. I made up some peanut butter cookie dough and dropped spoonful's in the brownie mixture and topped them with sprinkles. Boy let me say they turned out great. I was still mad about the cookies but I think this ended up being just a tad bit better than what the cookies would've been.

Friday at work the kiddo's had their Valentines Exchange and Party. They had so much fun and defiantly loaded up on some tasty treats and cute cards. I made these cute little Gold Fish Valentines for them and I love the way they came out. So simply yet so cute.

Wrapping up 2015

Of course it wouldn't seem right if I didn't do one last "dump" post before the year was over would it now. I've had a few pictures and drafts waiting for a place on this here blog of mine for a good minute and well I just haven't had the time or energy to sit down and put the words together. So here you go, the last little bit of 2015 and how we spent it.

*Early December we went to the Hubbs Battalion Ball down in Nashville. We ended up staying the night down there and had a great evening out with friends.

*The morning after the ball we went to breakfast at Biscuit Love. I'd been wanting to try it for a while now and well it was tasty, I have to say its not some where I'd rush back to.

*While the hubbs was at a match I took advantage and tagged along. After dropping him off I headed into town to check out the Franklin Factory and Market. I picked up some tasty 100 layer donuts and some Bison for our Christmas Dinner.

*I'm in love with our new fire place mantel picture. I had originally planned to put it over out bed but I just love it here.

*It just wouldn't be a complete holiday with out some freshly made Gingerbread loads and a Candy Cookie Cake for our work New Years Eve Pot Luck.

* I hadn't been to a match with the hubbs recently so I decided to tag along this particular day. Bonus we had lunch in Nashville and did a bit of window shopping.

*Our first ever date way back in 2006 was to "Ice" at the Gaylord in Texas. When I found out last year that they did it here at the Opryland Hotel & Resort I told the hubbs we had to go. We enjoyed it and had such a great time.

*My childhood puppy I had before moving to Hawaii was adopted by my best friend Ang. we found out late on Sunday night that she ended up having to be put to sleep. She had, had so many problems of the years but lived a long long life!!!

*Right in the mist of preparing dinner one evening after work our power went out. We decided to take the pups on a walk to give it time to come back on but no such luck. Out to dinner we went and ruffly two ours later when we returned there was still no power. I decided it was the perfect time to watch a movie on my computer.

Life Seems to Get in the Way

I do really good for a while and then time slips away. School becomes over whelming. Work, well its getting stressful with state assessment coming up. Things at home are grand, I couldn't ask for better but the house doesn't clean its self and dinner doesn't get cooked unless one of us does it. Don't get me started on the dishes and walking the dogs. Squeeze in there meal planning and prepping, working out and now working on our newest addition the Westy. Simply seems like there's always something going on. I am looking forward to a new month though, we have no big plans this month which is nice. It should be low key, I'm sure we'll take the Westy out a time or two but aside from that its just the two of us hanging out. The hubbs was suppose to go to Ft. Polk for 3 week to help / train at JRTC but thankfully that got canceled and he didn't have to go. We have just a little more than a month until our 8th wedding anniversary. I really can't believe that we have been married for almost 8 years. Sometimes it seems like much longer then other times it seems like we just were married last year. Up until last year we had been together for every anniversary except one. Being apart for 2 out of 8 living the MiliSPouse lifestyle is pretty unheard of but I guess you can say we have gotten lucky. We have a little weekend get away planned to celebrate next month and I'm so excited. We are going somewhere new, somewhere neither of us have been before. I love visiting and trying out new places. 

Here's a little Insta drop on what we've been up to here the last week or so. :)

On our venture down to Louisiana we stopped off at none other than Duck Commander Headquarters its self. Kinda cool to see where all the filming was taken place, although it looks nothing like the show of course. 

Sweet Savvy girl wanted to have a sleep over, so that did. After dinner and walking the pups that evening we went to Berry Bear for some Froyo. :) 

 Sunday morning she joined us on our weekly bike ride, on post for a little adventure. This girl did great and stayed right with us on the 5 mile loop. 

 The night we bought the Westy we stopped a Starbucks on our way home for a little pick me up. I had my first Peppermint Hot Chocolate of the season. Its so tasty!!! 

 I always check the weather temp before I go running in the mornings here lately now that its starting to get chilly in the mornings. This particular morning there was rain in the forecast but not till closer to 7am. Having to be at work by 7:30 I figured I'd make it home well before the rain hit. Boy was I wrong, with just under a mile to go till I was done it started pouring something crazy and I was soaking wet. There was no point in stopping because I'd just have to walk the almost mile back to my house. So I kept going and was literally dripping when I finally reached our front door. 

Every so often everyone as a not so good day and well I had one just the other day. Everything that could have gone wrong or awful did and it wasn't even lunch time yet. I still had the afternoon to go and things weren't looking up with the rainy weather. So off to Starbucks on my lunch break for a little pick me up. 

For our Sunday ride this past week we loaded up the Westy and drove her to post. I love that we can do so much with the Westy, its def. been a great purchase for us. 

That morning after our ride and a family style breakfast we loaded up, in the Westy of course and went to Shade Tree Farm for a little Apple pickin. Sadly the only pickin we did was from the baskets in their little store. The tree's where all picked through but we did leave with a bag full of freshly picked apples. 

What to do with all those Apples you ask?!??! Well Apple Cinnamon Muffins sounded great, and tasted just as good. :) 

Here We Go Again!!!!

As always time seems to slip away and life gets the best of me and I've slacked at up dating this hear blog of mine. But I'm here updating now and that's all that matters right?!?!?! 

With a week of class left we decided to have a class pot luck / surprise baby shower. Tell me why I volunteered to make a cake for this little shindig we where having. I was leaving right after class to head out of town. So the day's leading up to class where super crazy busy. But I have to toot my own hour because this cake turned out fabulous!!!! It was homemade from scratch all the way down to the icing. I was so proud of it, I haven't baked in forever and I loved every minute of being back in the kitchen doing what I love. This fabulous master piece didn't let down either. Every one LOVED it and I'm not just saying that because I made it, really my class-mates couldn't stop raving about it. I will defiantly be keeping this one for future baking goodness. 

 The night before my last class and said above pot luck followed by a 6 hour road trip I ran a 5K Glow Run about 45 minutes away from my house. Now back up a few days, my Director at work was suppose to run this as well. She was the one who actually talked me in to doing it. Unfortunately for a few reason's she wasn't able to make it. I decided to tough it out and still run the race. It might shock you to know this was the first race I'd ran alone not knowing anyone there. I was a little nervous and hesitant going into it alone but I embraced myself and rocked it. 

It was raining and ugly out, we had a 15 minute rain / lightening delay due to a storm. Once we finally got going I was passing people left and right. I kept checking my pace making sure I wasn't pushing myself to fast in the beginning and I wasn't. The rain kept coming and a few bolts of lightening here and there. In my head I kept thinking this was the worst idea I'd ever had. Part of the course was dark back streets that I ran by myself because others where way ahead of me (so I though) or further behind me. I was a bit scared not going to lie, being somewhere I wasn't familiar with at all. They had water stations in the worst places, you'd think they'd have them on the streets with no lights or store fronts vs. on the main roads, simply for safety reasons. 

Pretty soon I caught up with this little dude and he was struggling a bit so I tried encouraging him to keep going when he wanted to stop. I asked him if he knew how many people where in front of him and there was only one he said. We stayed together for the last half mile of the race and then I booked it through the finish line. I hadn't looked at my watch much through the last mile since it was raining, I was trying to keep it down from getting wet. Yall I came in 2nd place. I had no clue, I mean he had mentioned there was only one other person in front of him but I wasn't totally positive. I've NEVER placed in a race and I ran my fastest 5K time ever. I was so stoked and proud of myself. Yes it was a smaller race only 80 out of the 100 people that signed up came (due to the bad storms we where having) and everyone has told me that a race is a race no matter the amount of participants not to use that as a excuse. And I'm not, there where some awesome runners out there and I just happened to be on my game and totally kicked butt!!! 

First race ever when we lived in Hawaii. (left) May 1, 2011 5k- time 43:57. 

Most recent race June 26, 2015 5k-time 25:35.

Yall, I still can't believe it!!! 

PS: look at those chubby cheeks on the left. I know I know not really but yes really. 

After I came back from my little girls weekend get away (I'll recap that later) I made this delicious little treat for our work 4th of July Pot Luck. I came across the recipe on Pinterest (it was a birthday theme) and new I wanted to try it and though it would be perfect to incorporate it into our Red, White and Blue theme. 

Yall, this was AMAZING, like I'm talking there was only one slice left. It was scrumptious, melt in your mouth delicious. I've been on a roll here lately in the kitchen and defiantly enjoying it. 

With a bottom layer of freshly homemade Chocolate Chip Cookie dough, top that with a layer of Oreo's, the gaps where filled in with M&M's, topped with a layer of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and polished off with another layer of M&M's. Baked in the oven for 20 minutes and you've got heaven in a pie dish. :) 

Another month down and one more closer to the hubbs coming home. The end feels so near yet its still so far away. I miss him with all my heart and can't wait to wrap my arms around him again. I'm actually gonna miss doing this fun little monthly counts, but I wont miss doing life alone that's for sure. 

 Speaking this crazy deployment.....1) I've seriously slacked on keeping up with his truck. It's a standard which I'm not able to drive due to my lack of skills. It's on my 30 b4 30 list to learn, one day one day. It's been driven twice in the last 8 months so when I asked Amy to come over the other evening to help me get it going we had no luck what so ever. Even after letting it charge connected to my car for about 20-30 minutes it still wouldn't even attempt to turn over. I knew I had to cough it up and buy a new battery. Sometimes that's the price you've gotta pay and I did. A big Thanks to some awesome guys he works with (that returned early from deployment) they picked it up the next day and had new tires put on and the brakes checked. So it's all set for his return, I've just got to keep it going till then and not let the battery sit so long with out being started. 

2) This massive backyard of ours, its amazing, I love it and the pups do to. But it also comes with a bit of maintenance. Sure I could pay someone to do it but that would be wasting money when I am more than capable of doing it myself. I don't love doing it but I don't hate it either. I look at it as another way to get a workout in. However I've learned I really need to make sure I stay on top of it, meaning mowing it every week. YALL!!! I let it go a week and a half, 4 day's longer them normal and it was killer. I struggled. Yes we had a lot of rain with in that week so that didn't help. Although, I'm not complaining because its helped keep it nice and green but man was it tough to cut. The bag kept getting full and I'd have to stop and empty it after less than two times around. I was so frustrated. I ran out of gas at one point and thankfully had just enough in the tank in the garage to finish out the yard. It might have been 8:30pm before I was done with everything, weed-eating and blowing included but I got it done. I kept telling myself I could finish it up tomorrow but I knew I'd be kicking myself in the butt if I did that. 

I remember always giving the hubbs such a hard time on the weekends when he would say he was going to sleep in and then he'd be awake on his 2nd cup of coffee around 6am sometimes. I'm like dude what happen to sleeping in and he would always say "that, that was sleeping in for him." I'm like no, "sleeping in means not getting up and outta bed till close to 8am" I couldn't sleep much past that or I felt like I was wasting my day away. And now I find myself laying there wide awake most mornings before 5:30am. I just can't help it, no matter how late I go to sleep, even on the weekends... I'm up and my brain is going 90 miles a hour thinking about everything I could / should be doing. 

This morning for example, 5:35am laying there thinking of everything I was doing today and figured I might as well go ahead get up and get started. Morning workout (40 minutes), Dog's walked (20 minutes), Dressed, Laundry going, Shake-o made and dishes done all BEFORE 7am. I decided to switch my morning plans because sitting around the house for the downtown market to open at 8am just made no sense at all. lol. Originally I was going to the downtown market first then, make the 25-30 minute drive out to Guthrie, KY to the most amazing little Amish Bakery. To pick up a box of freshly made donuts and some cinnamon rolls. I plan on freezing the cinnamon rolls till the hubbs gets home and taking the donuts to work with me on Monday. They only make and serve the donuts on Saturday's, and they don't last long so you've gotta get there early. I was kinda sorta itching for one and decided to treat myself. It worked out perfect because I got there right at 8am when they opened. From there I headed to back to Clarksville to our market. Sometimes I'll go and simply just walk around it a couple times checking out the vendors not purchasing a thing. I just enjoy going, gives me something to do on Saturday mornings. But today I knew I wanted to pick up some local honey since I was getting low. The food trucks and baked goods looked so yummy, I sampled some different breads and a fruit tea which I wasn't crazy about before heading out. I was so tempted to give into a yummy waffle, a tamale even the homemade Amish ice cream but I didn't I knew I had donuts in the car, lunch plans and jazz on the lawn later that evening. Not to mention a couple homemade M&M cookies at home. I didn't need it. 

One last stop on my way home. I remembered The Mill, a little local antique / craft store was having their re-grand opening today. It's super small and I normally never find anything there but I always enjoy stopping and looking since its so close to home. I ended up picking up this cute little "Tennessee Home" plaque that will fit perfect on our Christmas Tree to represent out time here. 

All of that and I was still home before 10am. With lunch plans not till 1pm I decided to tackle the upstairs. Our bedroom and bathroom needed a good deep clean so I figured why not knock it out before lunch. Nothing's better then a freshly clean home. Well yes there is, having someone to help me with it or at least keep my company while cleaning. Blah Blah Blah, I know soon enough he'll be home. Lunch was fabulous, I hate that L and I haven't gotten together more over the deployment then we have but we always have such a great time when we do. It'll be great once the hubbs is back and the four of us can all get together. 

I spent the rest of the afternoon into the evening lounging around and kinda being lazy at home. Out girls night at Jazz on the Lawn got canceled since a few couldn't make it and honestly I was totally fine with that. There's always next time. 

Catch Up and Photo Dump

I've had every intention over the last couple weeks to up date this here blog of mine but some how something also gets in the way or distracts me. So here you have it a typical Instagram photo dump to catch you all up to speed. Hopefully the weeks to come will be better than the last and I'll be more on top of things here on this ol' blog. 

(starting from the top left going over)

* I've been doing so good with my meal planning and working out. Taking it one day at a time, seeing small results and changes has definitely been my motivation to keep me going. It's not a diet, I'm on the road to a New Life Style. 

* The pups and I go walking every day, during the week we stay in the neighborhood but on the weekends we venture out to the side streets and made some friends along the way. I had no clue there were Cows right down the street from our house. 

* 13 year's ago I lost my first Grandparent. My PaPa, it was a hard day for sure. Not a day goes by that I don't miss him or think about him. I wish so badly that he could have met my husband and see the life we've built together. I know he's looking down at us and so proud, I just wish he was here to see it and experience it with us. 

*4 months, HOLLA!!!! 4 months down on deployment numero 3, with many many more to go. To many to count to be exact. Blah. I have my good days and bad days as any one does going through a deployment. Here lately I am happy to say that I have been having more good days vs. bad ones.

*We celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday at work with a movie and homemade Seuss Soup. It was the perfect way to end a crazy week! 

*Sunday Selfie, proud of the progress I've made. Almost to my goal but not quite there, so I'll be pushing and pushing till I reach it. "Slow Progress is better than no progress!"

*A few weeks back I went to a baby Shower / Sunday School Social at my dearest friend S's house. I made these fabulous Pumpkin Bread Muffins. They seemed to be a hit, there one of my favorite fall treats but really you enjoy them any time. Coming in at a whooping 145 calories each, so they must be enjoyed in moderation. 

*Dreaming of our future, Working hard to reach my Goals, Surrounding myself with positive role models and cutting out the negativity. Has done my body, soul and mind so much good. Pushing forward with a positive out look in everything I possibly can. 

*Missing my family and friends in the South. I know I just left there but I'm itching to go back. Oh how we though we had it so bad going through "Life on the Trail". Real Army / Trail Life Army they both have good and bad just has everything. Trying to see the good in Real Army again. 

Thanksgiving Anyone….

Well a little late is better than never right……a little Thanksgiving recap…..plus some……..

The hubbs had to work Thanksgiving morning and came home around 9am just as the parade was starting on TV. We were able to spend a few hours together before he had to head back up to the company area to march the SIT to the chow hall for their thanksgiving meal. When he left I got to cooking and preparing our dinner. It was just going to be the two of us but I still had to go all out. I just can't help myself, I love to cook and its not thanksgiving with out all the fixings. Once I got everything set up and ready I headed out to meet up with my girl Becky. We made our way up to the company area. We were able to walk / march over with all the PVT's to the chow hall and enjoy the afternoon with them and all the Drill SGT's. I love being able to see my husband in work mode, there's just something about it that makes me smile.

After we finished up at the Chow hall we headed back home and I worked more on getting our Thanksgiving dinner ready. I was trying so hard not to eat while I was cooking but its so hard when it looks so good. Finally the hubbs was home and we were able to enjoy our long awaited dinner together. Get in my Belly!!!!!

Just a little bit over everything, enjoying it with this handsome fella. 

Homemade Pumpkin Bread 

Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Homemade Pecan Pie 

I love to bake there's no doubt about that so there's been a never end cookie jar on my kitchen counter and I love it!!! I'm sure my hubbs and co-workers do as well since they benefit from it also. This is just one batch of the many I've made over the last few weeks. Spritz are so yummy and festive. 

Homemade Pumpkin Bread has become a staple in our house this holiday season and EVERYone has benefited from it. Not to mention these cute little dishes from Micheal's are perfect for gift giving!!!